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Mbachi Mutukula-Maregere Sports Reporter
ZIMBABWE Sevens coach Daniel Hondo is not yet satisfied with the Cheetahs state of preparedness ahead of the World Series Core- qualifiers in Hong Kong next month.

Hondo said there was still more to be done and noted room for improvement by his charges before they take on some of the world’s top rugby sevens nations.

The Cheetahs coach said he was, however, confident that his team’s competitive edge would have improved inside the next three weeks.

“The senior players who are going to Hong Kong I think they will be fine maybe in two to three weeks.

“I am not satisfied with their way of play and I believe they are still lacking match fitness, I think we just have to take everyone in the right direction if we want to do well in Hong Kong

“I believe there is need for fitness in most of the players, running fitness is there but the match fitness is not there. After playing the match last weekend I believe we need to get the players to understand how we need to play in Hong Kong,” said Hondo.

Hondo said he had also noted some promise in most of the clubs that have been playing in the domestic sevens tournaments, which he felt would stand the national team in good stead in terms of their preparations.

Hondo also commended the development efforts being made with the junior players after watching the school children who took part in the Sevens Summer Series opening leg last weekend.

The coach said it was important for schools to help players to understand the sevens game at a tender age.

“It was a good long day of rugby seeing some school boys playing some good rugby.

“If we get more schools taking part in sevens and get coaches who are going to coach sevens then the sport will develop and the national team side will be very competitive in sevens.

“Just by looking at some players, there is some pace and a lot of potential in the young players. It was very exciting.

“The future for sevens in Zimbabwe is bright, looking at the level of the game which they displayed at the weekend, we can still become a good side,” said Hondo.